Woodblock print subject matter

[Ron STL]

Hi all, wondering what story this print tells of and who is pictured. It looks like a quality Kunitoshi print if not trimmed. Just helping a friend. Thanks! 

Ron STL

[SteveM]

Kuniyoshi, 1847. One of the 47 Rōnin, Sumino Jūheiji Tsugifusa. 

I don't know why he has his hand under the futon cover. Must be an interesting story there. Actually this must depict a kabuki adaptation, because the real rōnin's name was Sugino, and his given name of Jūhei used a different kanji for "Jū". 

 

https://ja.ukiyo-e.o.../bm/AN00588150_001_l

[Bugyotsuji]

They had to search the house for Kira Kozuke-no-Suke, looking everywhere for him as he was hiding. Interestingly they are re-showing one of the classic Chushingura series on TV this week, as this is the time of year when they have a parade in Ako commemorating the break-in and revenge assassination of Lord Kira. (It was snowing, thus the winter camouflage trim.)

Chūshingura - Wikipedia

[Toryu2020]

The bed clothes were still warm which meant to the searchers that Kira was not far away. Though very popular this was essentially a revolt against Tokugawa rule so to avoid the censor they may have changed the names slightly...

 

-t

[Ron STL]

Kuniyoshi, yes. Thanks for the explanation on this print. A friend of my granddaughter went on a trip to Japan and bought this, thinking they overpaid not being used to dollar/yen values, and paid $350 for it. Perhaps a bit retail but it's a nice crisp print, framed. This will now direct them to learn about the 47 Ronins story and gain appreciation of the story. Kuniyoshi did such nice work. 

Ron STL